The Istebné Articular Wooden Church

In the year 1681, the hard economic and complicated political situation in Hungary forced Emperor Leopold I to summon the Sopron Assembly, which issued 72 articles. Articles 25 and 26 were related to freedom of faith. Based on article 26, the Lutherans were allowed to build 2 churches in every county. However, the churches must be situated outside of the city center, built only of wood, and completed within one year. The parish in Istebné lacked the funds to build a church but received financial support from Nordic congregations. Although decorations were sparse, and the people could only afford a wooden chalice, the church became the home of a faithful congregation that worshiped in times of hardship and oppression.

Bohdan shared with us about Psalm 23. He reminded us to focus on the basics: Jesus is our good shepherd, we are helpless sheep, and he rescues us from death to life.

After our visit to the church, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at a traditional Slovak restaurant.Read more